This isn’t released until July 2020 but if Australian cabernet shiraz blends are to your liking then this release is worth jumping on as soon as you can.It’s a seriously good wine. Its volume and silken mouthfeel announce themselves from the first sip but then the long chains of tannin, tobacco and dust and floral-like highlights, and compelling length serve to seal a quite wonderful deal. This is hearty, full-bodied Australian red wine in all its glory. It’s built on redcurrant, plum, blackcurrant and cloves and the mouthfeel/length combination here is really quite something.

Vines planted mostly in 1971. Not due for release until July but it came across my desk now.Fine-grained tannin. Sweet, ripe fruit. Creamy mouthfeel. And while it all feels controlled, it feels luxurious throughout, perfumed, plush, those kind of vibes. There are sweet herb/tobacco-like characters here too and sophisticated, smoky edges. It’s still coming together but the fine spread of tannin, gorgeous flavour and reach through the finish all spell (high) quality.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California Blueberries, crushed stones, blackberries and violets. So floral. Full-bodied, yet tight and polished with pointed tannins that give it energy and vivacity. This is the Ausone of Napa. Better to wait three or four years. Try after 2022.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California This is stunning on the nose with crushed cassis, like creme de cassis, and violets. So beautiful to smell. Medium to full body. Compact, refined tannins flow across the palate to the borders of the wine. All about balance, freshness and purity. One of the best ever. Drink or hold.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California This is a tight, Chablis-like white with sliced-peach and honeysuckle character. Medium-to full-bodied, tangy and vivid. Precise. Wonderful energy. No malo. Drink or hold.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California Wonderful aromas of ripe raspberries and blueberries with violets and orange blossom. Medium to full body. Very fine tannins, which are compressed and fresh. Stones and minerals underneath. Cool and bright at the finish. Delicious already. Drink or hold.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California A beautiful red with black-cherry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Medium to full body and creamy tannins. Lovely balance and sensual mouth feel. Succulent finish. Drink or hold.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California A powerful, tannin-driven red with blueberry and blackcurrant character. The chewy tannins need some resolution with bottle age. Full body. Juicy blue fruit with a mountain perspective. Needs time to soften. Try after 2024 and onwards.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California A pinpointed cabernet franc with blueberry and raspberry aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Shows a stone undertone. Pretty finish. Drink or hold.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California Aromas of plums and fresh mushrooms with balsamic undertones. Hints of dried sage and other herbs. Medium body. Savory and fresh. Holding on beautifully. Drink or hold.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California The red fruit with clay, tile and dust are very attractive here. Some spearmint and fresh herbs. Medium to full body. Firm tannins frame the wine. Subtly flavorful at the finish. Drink or hold.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California Aromas of blueberries, currants and flowers follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Shows some hazelnut and walnut undertones. Very fine-toned. Drink or hold.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California Extremely pure fruit with blueberries and blackcurrants. Lavender, too. Full body. Stony and slightly austere tannins, but real mountain character. Needs two to three years to soften a little, but I like it.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California A fresh, creamy white with sliced-apple and pear character, as well as some pie-crust and praline aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Flavorful, yet tame on the palate. Drink or hold.

Tasting the Traumatic 2017 Vintage (And Others) in Northern California Floral and savory with pine needles and black fruit. Full to medium body and firm tannins, yet it’s poised and refined at the end. Could use a little more in the center palate, but a pretty wine. Drink or hold.

Last-minute wines for Valentine’s Day I’m counting on the Nonvintage La Crema Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine from the Russian River Valley to ignite a little romance. The blend of 73% pinot noir and 27% chardonnay equals 100% romance. Aromas of summer raspberries and cherries are highlighted on the aromatic bouquet, while flavors of tangerine, red plum and raspberry dance on the palate. The bright, delightfully fresh acidity on the finish makes it an excellent companion with chocolate covered strawberries.

USA, California: More Napa & Sonoma New Releases WOW—the 2017 Chardonnay Jennifer’s Vineyard reveals the most beautiful perfume of beeswax, peach blossoms and lemongrass with a core of spiced apples, poached pears and almond croissant. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers layer upon layer of savory, citrus and stone fruit flavors, finishing long and spicy.

USA, California: More Napa & Sonoma New Releases The 2017 Chardonnay Seascape Vineyard is a little closed at this youthful stage, revealing suggestions of lime cordial, lemon meringue pie, orange blossoms and acacia honey with wafts of oyster shell and green tea. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly played with a lovely satiny texture and a lively line cutting through the intense flavors, finishing long and minerally.

USA, California: More Napa & Sonoma New Releases Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir Arrendell Vineyard does pirouettes out of the glass with a pretty perfume of red roses, fragrant soil, lavender and kirsch over a core of warm cranberries, mulberries and tilled soil plus a waft of truffles. Medium-bodied, the palate is so delicately played with surprising vibrancy and persistence among the fine-grained tannins and understated nuances. Just beautiful.

USA, California: More Napa & Sonoma New Releases Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir Seascape Vineyard gives up pronounced notes of warm cranberries, Bing cherries and raspberry coulis with hints of lilacs, underbrush and fungi. Medium-bodied, the palate is charged with red berries and earthy sparks, framed by silken-textured tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

USA, California: More Napa & Sonoma New Releases Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir Jennifer’s comes charging out of the gate with bold raspberry coulis, kirsch and warm redcurrant scents plus nuances of wild sage, damp soil, fallen leaves and spice box. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with red berry preserves and earthy layers, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and perfumed.

USA, California: More Napa & Sonoma New Releases Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir Far Coast Vineyard is a little mute at first sniff, with the nose slowly unfurling to reveal beautifully perfumed notes of lilacs, Ceylon tea and bouquet garni over a core of Bing cherries, raspberry leaves and cranberries. Medium-bodied, the palate is fine-boned, refreshing and elegantly played with exquisitely ripe tannins and layers of red, black and blue fruits, finishing long and fragrant.

USA, California: More Napa & Sonoma New Releases Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard explodes with black cherry compote, blueberry pie, raspberry preserves and fruitcake notes with hints of tobacco, sandalwood and potpourri. Full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with blackberry preserves and spicy layers, framed by soft tannins and lovely freshness, finishing very long and layered.

USA, California: More Napa & Sonoma New Releases Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir MacLean's Block gives up exuberant baked black cherries, warm raspberries and cranberry sauce scents plus suggestions of cinnamon stick, cloves, lavender and incense. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with black and red berries plus loads of earthy accents and a finely grained texture, finishing long and layered.

USA, California: More Napa & Sonoma New Releases The 2017 Chardonnay Far Coast Vineyard leaps from the glass with vivacious lemon curd, key lime pie and fresh grapefruit scents plus wafts of honeysuckle, mandarin peel, struck flint and fresh ginger. Medium-bodied, the palate is packed with zip and zing, delivering layer upon layer of citrus and mineral notions, finishing on an enticing tropical fruit note.